What wording would help attract you to attend an AS group?

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And if you don't, it sounds like it's a group for people who are severely autistic... Maybe "Anybody on the autism spectrum is welcome"? If you can get a good mix of people all over the spectrum and make sure nobody steps on anybody else's toes (literally or figuratively), I think it would be beneficial for everybody. We spend too much time with people exactly like ourselves; diversity is a good thing.

Forgive me that I don't really know what to write for helping you, I guess I have the same issue myself (and I'm not from an English-speaking country). I think maybe it's not easy to successfully mix LFA and HFA autistics afterall. As far as I know they have different needs, and unless HFA individuals are resolved to help the LFA all along, they'd probably form two separate groups (currently I'm attending two groups, one could be considered LFA/MFA, the other HFA).

I'd like to grab the opportunity though for trying to direct some attention to a London meet-up on 15th September (Saturday) (click on the link to see the corresponding thread) during the time I will be there as a tourist. According to the plan, it will start in the morning and would consist of visiting one or two museums and going to a pub.

Not easy, maybe, but I think it'd be worth it. Autistics don't come in two categories, really; it's more of a wide scatter in all directions. One person labeled "LFA" might get a lot out of it, while another with "HFA" doesn't. If they don't like the group, wouldn't they simply not return?

It seems that other posts have submitted some really good ideas for the poster. However, I'm imagining this room with reasonable lighting, crayons, legos... and I can't help but think that a string of "Christmas" lights could help the mood, too. No, really, I'm serious. I know I'm not the only person that stims by staring at pretty lights. I think it might help some people feel comfortable. I don't know what other plans you have and if they would work with the overall theme you're going for. I mean, if there's enough risk of over-stimulation, that's definitely an issue to consider. Maybe they can be strategically placed, so that if someone doesn't want to look at them, they don't have to. Either way, the actual usage is at your discretion, but I figure it's an idea to ponder.

I also think this would be helpful. I've seen invites for AS groups, but I've never gone because I have not gotten a formal diagnosis and I don't know if one would be required or not. I'd love to have some local community support, to get to know some people near me that are also like me. However, I don't want to feel the pressure that I need some magic (and expensive!) slip from a psychologist in order to get that support. It would also solve the problem with making a distinction between HFA/LFA to just have an all-inclusive invite.

Your idea sounds great. I don't think you need to add anything.

I like this, and "No pressure to interact."

I know, I know. I just wanted to point out the difficulties that might arise bringing the whole spectrum together in one room and hint that an active inclusiveness of HFAs would be needed in such settings. When I'm with the LFA/MFA group, my status is a "helper", a kind of facilitator who takes part in the activities.

At the group I attend, there's at least one person who isn't diagnosed and we did have a man attend who said "I am waiting for a diagnosis".

At the HFA group I'm referring to the majority don't have an ASD diagnosis or have something else.

One word that would make it LESS appealing to me is "Group". It sounds like a commitment is required

I find that many people on the spectrum are more into structured, activity-focused type of groups as opposed to spontaneous activity kind of events. There's a monthly ASD group I attend in my city and the meetups that are the most popular tend to be the ones where members meet for food. I think the food serves as an alternate resort in case when you don't want to socialize. Also, many people on the spectrum go into social situations with a purpose and such a purpose is often associated with a particular topic they want to explore to gain something, i.e. new knowledge or connections within own field of interest.

I think that doing topical get-togethers based on some kind of pre-meetup survey about member interests is a good idea. Also, I've done both structured group interaction games and mutual support meetings where every member talked about a specific challenge he or she is currently facing one at a time and got feedback from the group about it. Both of these events have been quite successful.

One thing you could add is a specific activity (videogame, board games, etc) that could already be there when people arrive. Some people aren't good at conversation and prefer an activity, so perhaps have something that suggests that as an option.

"Guest speakers Russell Brand, Johnny Depp and Vin Deisel"

"Open bar"

Well, if the participants are anywhere near college-student age, free pizza tends to do it. Free food is the perfect college-student bait.

No MHPs and no parents